PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
NOTICE OF DISCHARGE OF UNTREATED SEWAGE
The Town of Valdese had a discharge of untreated wastewater from our collection system. The discharge occurred on July 2nd, 2026 at 10:00 AM, approximately 5,000 gallons of untreated wastewater was discharge into the Double Branch Creek in the Catawba river basin. This spill was caused by Hurricane Helene cleanup efforts, the contractor broke the pipe that was crossing the creek. NC General Statute article 21, chapter 143.215C requires that the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when a untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface water. The Division of Water Resources was notified of this event on July 2nd, 2026 at 10:30 AM and is reviewing the matter. For more information contact Allen Hudson, Public Works Director at 828-874-6779
The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group, of which the Town of Valdese is a member, declared Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) Stage 2 conditions earlier today (May 1, 2026).
In Stage 2, Mandatory Reductions I, all customers are expected to reduce their water use by 10% in comparison to their previous month’s water bill. In addition to continuing to encourage all voluntary reduction actions, the following restrictions apply:
Irrigation is limited to a half inch per week between 8pm-8am two days a weekFilling temporary and permanent swimming pools is prohibitedOutdoor use of water for washing impervious surfaces is prohibitedResidential vehicle washing is prohibitedAll testing and training purposes requiring drinking water (e.g. fire protection) is limited
